Сравнительный анализ моделей местного управления

Бакалавриат 2017/2018

Статус: Курс по выбору (Юриспруденция)

Направление: 40.03.01. Юриспруденция

Кто читает: Кафедра конституционного права

Где читается: Факультет права

Когда читается: 2-й курс, 4 модуль

Формат изучения: без онлайн-курса

Язык: английский

Кредиты: 3

Контактные часы: 36

Full Syllabus

Abstract

The purpose of the course on Contemporary Models of Local Governance is to study the experience of local governance in countries, where the tradition was not interrupted for decades and even centuries. It is crucially important because the system of local governance in Russian Federation introduced by the Constitution in 1993 after long period of Soviet system existing and still is not built in its final design. Students will be able to obtain new knowledge through different ways of learning, for example, analyzing legislation of different countries in the sphere of local governance, and the practice of delivering good services in local councils. The initial course program will be country-oriented and include the UK, USA, France, Germany, Northern and Central European countries, etc.

Learning Objectives

to empower students with professional knowledge in local governance regulation in countries with different legal systems (common law countries, civil (continental) law countries),
to prepare students to work in local councils and/or federal (regional) authorities dealing with local issues, to enhance their understanding of different aspects of legal (constitutional) regulations in the sphere of local governance and be aware of possible advantages and disadvantages, relying on international experience.

Expected Learning Outcomes

discuss the significance of local governance in contemporary society;
explain modern local government systems in terms of “governance”;
classify local government in foreign countries by analyzing historical development and implementing theoretical approaches in the field,
discuss local governance issues in the light of international principles and norms and to evaluate the effectiveness of their implementation in various countries of the local self-government.
identify various models of local governance and the relation between the different tiers of governance (state, federal and municipal),
work with the normative-legal acts, scientific literature and analytical materials in English.

Course Contents

Introduction to Local Government. The role of Local and Regional Governance in contemporary models of multi-tier governance.
Modern states’ architecture – forms of government, the executive authorities, regional level, local government, relationship between the levels. The peculiarities of regulation and organization of regional and local levels in a federal state and unitary state.
The history and main concepts of Local Government. Local Government and Local Governance.
Theoretical and historical perspective of local government models. Development of local self-government institutions in a multi-tier system of public administration. The shift from government to governance. Modern state governance in the European Union: some examples from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavian countries, the UK and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe
Legal (constitutional) framework of Local Government. The European Charter of Local Self-Government (1985)
Constitutional, political and administrative dimensions of the local government system. The European Charter of Local Self-Government as a basis for sustainability of the institution. Local self-government as a shared value for the democratic development. The impact of the Charter on national legislation. Problems of implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government in domestic law.
Local Democracy: the main actors on the stage. Citizen participation.
The concept of local democracy. Citizens as a main driving force of local democracy. Form of citizen participation in the local governance – elections, referendum, voting, public hearing etc.
Local Authorities – Local Council (the representative body, elections, powers).
Legal status of local authorities. Local Council – the representative body of local government system. Elections of the local council members. The Chair of the local council. The Local council competence. The relationships between Local council and Local Executive (Mayor, Administration etc)
The Role of the Mayor (Chief Executive) in Local Government
The Mayor (Chief Executive) – elections or appointment? The relationships of the Mayor with other actors on the stage – Local Council, citizens, regional and central authorities. The Mayor’s competence.
Local Autonomy and Local Finance
Local Finance as a basis for local autonomy. The own resources and budget transfers. Local taxes and charges. The protection of financially weaker local authorities, the institution of financial equalisation procedures. Problems of implementation of local financial autonomy.
Decentralisation, devolution and delegation of powers – federal, regional and local levels
Regional dimension of the local governance – decentralization (deconcentration), devolution and delineation of powers. The UK experience of the regional devolution.
Local and region governance, democracy and the role of citizens – shortcomings, challenges and future prospects
The Local governance system in modern Russia – the results of twenty years reform, shortcomings in the existing system of local an regional governance and new challenges and prospective (territorial and structural elements, relationships with regional and federal authorities, the forms of state control, etc.).

Assessment Elements

Performance in classes
A written work (summary of the reading piece)
The country case-study presentation

Interim Assessment

Interim assessment (4 module)
0.3 * A written work (summary of the reading piece) + 0.3 * Performance in classes + 0.4 * The country case-study presentation

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

Heinelt, H., Egner, B., & Bertrana, X. (2016). Policy Making at the Second Tier of Local Government in Europe : What Is Happening in Provinces, Counties, Départements and Landkreise in the On-going Re-scaling of Statehood? London: Routledge. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1061410

Recommended Additional Bibliography

John, P. (2001). Local Governance in Western Europe. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=251489
Local government in Malta : a slowly maturing process ; The Oxford handbook of local and regional democracy in Europe. (2010). Europe: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.3205F986
Renewal in European local democracies: puzzles, dilemmas and options. (2012). Springer. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsnar&AN=edsnar.oai.tilburguniversity.edu.publications.05586de4.5af1.421e.82c4.6d264e9012d7

Course Syllabus